A LEAP OF FAITH

Final Step

Final Step

Seoul, Korea

July 7, 2003

6:30 p.m.

Jung Jin

"Jagi, we're here."

I entered the penthouse and dropped my keys on the entryway table before I bent down and ruffled Dog's head. He looked at me somberly as if he himself was getting tired of this and took his leash off. He sat in front of me, head cocked to one side, as if waiting for instruction and I chuckled.

Dog knew what the routine was. We have the smartest dog in the world.

"Go," I said, "go see your Mama."

He panted, his head pushing against my hand, before scampering off in search of Gia. Or, maybe, something to eat. It's hard to tell with him sometimes. Sometimes instincts override his best intentions. Just like me.

My query was answered when I heard happy yelps, and then my woman's voice.

"Hi, baby," she cooed, her voice happy and light. "Have you missed me? Have you?"

I turned the corner and saw Gia and Dog, on the kitchen floor, she scratching his belly, and he, gazing adoringly at her, eating up all the affection. The sunlight was only now just fading from the windows, painting them both in reds and oranges.

Gia had her hair down, the shimmering strands even more golden in this light, over one shoulder. She was wearing a tank top and linen pants, her feet encased in slippers.

No matter the day or time, she always takes my breath away. Two months of idyllic, almost surreal bliss after our reunion, and my feelings had not dulled one bit.

Her face lifted as if realizing that I was watching her, and our eyes met. Her lips curled into the smile that I've begun to recognize as one that was only meant for me. Unlike all her other smiles in the past, unlike all the smiles I've seen in pictures, this one was wide, open, all teeth showing. Her eyes reflected the same joy, the same happiness.

I had been right. Showered with love and affection she would blossom.

She set Dog off with a decisive pat on his bottom and he scampered off to the deck, his short legs quick on the floor. Gia straightened and walked towards me. It was only then that I noticed the apron she wore, as well as the food that's already been laid out on the table.

"Hey," she said, wrapping her arms around my waist as she gazed up at me. "How was work?"

"Good," I said softly, my fingers pressing onto her waist as I tightened my hold. "It was good."

She nodded and stood on tiptoes, her mouth inching closer to mine. Her hands have already begun untucking my shirt from the trousers I wore, her fingers impatient against my back. I grinned before I leaned down and kissed her.

Her mouth was sweet and inviting, tasting faintly of mint and chocolate. Irresistible. I nibbled on her lips, her hands traveling between us to unbutton my shirt. My fingers danced on her side, feeling the patch of skin between her shirt and her pants, before I untied the apron from her waist and slid it over her neck.

Our mouths still connected I lifted her as she wrapped her legs around my waist. The contact made me groan and her sigh, and the sound made me senseless; I pressed her against the nearest surface I could find. She had taken my shirt off and flung it to the side, her mouth traveling down my neck and my shoulders, her teeth nipping playfully.